China: Property rights

The latest value from 2025 is 47 points, unchanged from 47 points in 2024. In comparison, the world average is 53 points, based on data from 182 countries. Historically, the average for China from 1995 to 2025 is 33 points. The minimum value, 20 points, was reached in 2007 while the maximum of 62 points was recorded in 2021. See the global rankings or world map for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

The property rights index for China from The Heritage Foundation reflects the ability of individuals to accumulate private property, secured by clear laws that are fully enforced by the state. It also measures the likelihood of expropriation in China as well as the extent of corruption in the judiciary and the enforcement of contracts.

Definition: The property rights index measures the degree to which a country’s laws protect private property rights and the degree to which its government enforces those laws. It also assesses the likelihood that private property will be expropriated and analyzes the independence of the judiciary, the existence of corruption within the judiciary, and the ability of individuals and businesses to enforce contracts. Higher index values denote more certain legal protection of property.